Using Photoshop to Land Your Dream Job

Using Photoshop to Land Your Dream Job I just love when I read success stories. And by success I mean when a person actually has the opportunity to live out their passion(s) when someones job/career is the one thing he or she loves the fruchtwein. I love these types of stories because, sadly, they arent very common. In fact, a Gallup study found that 70 percent of the American workforce is disengaged and uninspired at work. The study found that, although they put time and effort into their work, they dont have energy or passion.Who has been there and done that? Im pretty sure just about everyone.So, again, when I do hear of people actually being able to do what they love it inspires me. I mean, who doesnt want to feel like they arent at work or on the clock because theyre just so passionate about what theyre accomplishing?A great example of this comes from a recent story on Flickrs blog called, Im aginative photographer lands world-tour job at Coke. The title already sounds much more appealing than what most of us do from 9-5pm.The story is about Joel Robison, a Canadian photographer who combines photography with Photoshop to create some amazing images.I looked at his Flickr page, Boy_Wonder, and welches pretty impressed.As the story goes, Robison ventured into photography after becoming a teacher post college graduation. He said he didnt feel connected to his current role, especially to the creative part of his mind, and he did not feel inspired.So, what did he do? Robison bought a camera, downloaded Adobe Photoshop and began to infuse reality with fantasy. Stemming from his love of Disney, his pictures always infused a real elementhimself, for examplewith a fantasy-like setting or objects added in through Photoshop.One day, the story explains, Robison uploaded a picture of the classic Coke bottles in the snow with himself drinking one in the distance to his Flickr account. Although a friend suggested he send the image to Coca-Cola, he laughed it off.Yet, this image and other Coke-related photography would change Robisons life forever.A Coke representative not only asked if the company could use his image on its Twitter page, Robison was also asked to moderate Coca-Colas Flickr community for over a year. Talk about your passion leading you to career happiness but it doesnt end there.The story explainsIn 2013, they offered me a role on the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, Joel says. Its a worldwide tour, led by Coca-Cola and FIFA, taking the FIFA World Cup Trophy on a world tour of 90 countries. And they offered me the role of photographer and voice of social media. I was shocked.It totally changed the course of my life, Joel admits. I was able to quit my job and accept photography as my full-time career, and I havent looked back since. Its been non-stop, I feel more passionate about it every day, and I feel like I am allowed to share with the world what I s ee, and I feel very supported in that.Awesome story, right?It led me to wonder how many more people could possibly follow in Robisons footsteps. No, not every photographer will get scooped up by a major company, but thats just one way to turn your passion(s) into your career.Robison was a teacher and knew this wasnt the right fit. He decided to open the door to his passions and it paid off in the end. How many of us have yet to even open the door?Sure, it wont be an overnight jump from following your passion to instant success (monetary stability), but its important to at least take the first step.If you know deep down your current role leaves you disengaged and uninspired, make some changes. Start with examining your passions and what type of careers they can be utilized in. Then, slowly but surely, make the time to develop your interests each day.If you truly enjoy painting, take an art class. Or if writing is your thing, join a writers club. Regularly working on things youre pass ionate about keeps you motivated and pressing toward your goals.Im sure Robison wouldve loved to work for a major company one day, but he didnt start sending his photos to businesses right away. He found an outlet that offered him exposureFlickr.What outlets or mediums can you use to display your talents? For example, creating social media accounts is a great way to display your passions. And as you keep working toward what you truly love, eventually youll be able to turn what you love into what you do (for a living).But, if youre worried that following your passions wont pay the bills (and this is a very reasonable concern), taking some time to regularly concentrate on the things that you love will totenstill bring benefits. You will find yourself more inspired, excited and motivated as you develop your talents and skills outside the officewhile still being able to pay your bills.So, whats the moral to the story? Whether its creating a Flickr account, using Photoshop or selling you r hand-carved statues after work, there are many ways to turn your passion(s) into your dream job. But it all starts with recognizing what you love and making the decision to take the first step in pursuing this area.